Graham Dillon, 37, of Jacka, who has been charged with the murder of his eight-year-old son. Photo: Facebook

Graham Dillon, 37, appeared in court on Tuesday morning charged with murdering his son, Bradyn Dillon.

Mr Dillon, wearing shorts and a grey T-shirt, appeared stunned as he entered the courtroom. He did not sit with his Legal Aid duty solicitor at the bar table. He entered no plea to any charge, and made no application for bail. He was remanded in custody at the Alexander Maconochie Centre until March 1.

A caterpillar sprinkler peeks out of the overgrown front lawn. Photo: Jay Cronan

Another said, "I have three daughters under eight and I took the day off work to walk them to school."

Ms Kirchner said she didn't want to stay in the suburb, which was usually quiet and filled with families.

"I can't look up there," she said.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information that could assist the investigation and has not yet spoken to them, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or at act.crimestoppers.com.au.